Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission renews the nuclear fuel facility operating licence for the Port Hope Conversion Facility

February 27, 2017 – Ottawa

Today, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) announced its decision to renew Cameco Corporation’s nuclear fuel facility operating licence for the Port Hope Conversion Facility (PHCF) for a 10-year period. This decision was made following a public hearing held on November 8 and 9, 2016 in Port Hope, ON, and the licence will be valid from March 1, 2017 until February 28, 2027.

In making its decision, the Commission considered submissions from Cameco Corporation and 44 intervenors, as well as CNSC staff’s recommendations.

CNSC staff will report annually on the performance of the PHCF at a Commission meeting with public participation. The Commission also requested that Cameco Corporation present a report regarding the progress of its Vision In Motion project. The project includes the removal and shipment of legacy waste to the Canadian Nuclear Laboratories long-term waste management facility, also located in the Municipality of Port Hope. Cameco is to present this report approximately two years after the first shipment takes place, at a proceeding with public participation.

The Record of Decision is available on request to the Commission Secretariat. It will be posted in both official languages on the CNSC website at nuclearsafety.gc.ca at a later date. Hearing transcripts can be obtained on the CNSC website or by contacting the CNSC. The hearing webcast is available on the same site for 90 days.

The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission regulates the use of nuclear energy and materials to protect health, safety, security and the environment; to implement Canada’s international commitments on the peaceful use of nuclear energy; and to disseminate objective scientific, technical and regulatory information to the public.